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Organic brain syndrome
Definition:
Organic brain syndrome (OBS) is a general term, referring to physical disorders (usually not psychiatric disorders) that cause decreased mental function.
Alternative Names:
OBS; Organic mental disorder (OMS); Chronic organic brain syndrome
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
OBS is a common diagnosis in the elderly. It is not an inevitable part of aging, however. OBS is not a separate disease, but is a general term used to categorize physical conditions that can cause mental changes.
Disorders associated with OBS include, but are not limited to:
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Degenerative disorders:
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Cardiovascular disorders
:
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Trauma-induced brain injury:
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Dementia due to metabolic causes
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Respiratory conditions -- may cause or aggravate OBS
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Hypoxia (decreased oxygen in the body)
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Hypercapnia (increased carbon dioxide levels in the body)
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Infections
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Drug and alcohol related conditions
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Other medical disorders
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Thyroid disease (high or low)
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Vitamin deficiency (B12 and others)
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Liver disease
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Kidney disease
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Cancer
Other conditions that may be related to organic brain syndrome include:
depression
, neuroses, and psychoses of various types, which may occur at the same time as the OBS.
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Review Date: 9/7/2006
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Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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